Conversion Starter: Is housing the future of the high street?
Nicola Gooch explains the significance of the latest proposals to shake up the general permitted development order.

Nicola is a Partner in the Irwin Mitchell Planning Team, with a particular expertise in mixed use regeneration projects and enabling developments. She acts for a wide variety of private sector clients, including house-builders, land promoters and development companies; retail developers, investment funds; care home providers and crematoria. She also regularly advises clients on the Community Infrastructure Levy. Nicola has been mentioned in Legal 500, alongside the Southern Region Planning Team, which is tier one rated in both Chambers and the Legal 500.
The new London Plan is now in force
The capital's new "Spatial Development Strategy" - better known as the The London Plan 2021 - has finally come into force, after protracted exchanges between City Hall and Whitehall.
Global architecture firm draws up blueprint for the ‘English village of the future’
The post-pandemic exodus from cities has highlighted the inadequacies of the quintessential English country village, says Broadway Malyan, proposing a set of recommendations to prepare rural enclaves for…
Pass on the parcel: End the sale of ‘pipe dream’ land
Aston Mead's Land & Planning Director Adam Hesse is calling for ban on the sale of "pipe dream" parcels of land to naïve investors who hope to build homes on them.
By Adam Hesse
Companies in this article
Irwin MitchellMost read
Surrey mansion that ‘rivals the world’s most prestigious addresses’ pitched at £50mn
In Pictures: Inside one of the most significant super-prime listings of 2025 so far, the palatial Wentworth Place.
£28mn Knightsbridge mansion sale sets 2025 benchmark
Recent mega-deal on Princes Gate 'reaffirms London’s appeal as a global property destination,' say agents.
Savills expands super-prime lettings operation; recruits new North London chief
Isabella Birch Reynardson's specialist division is expanding into high-value regional rental markets, while Stevie Walmesley has moved from DDRE to lead the team in North London.
By PrimeResi
The Times: Who’s buying London’s most expensive new flats?
Investigation lifts the lid on £600mn worth of apartment sales at some of PCL's most prestigious new-build schemes.
‘Game-changing’ fast-track service launches for luxury property projects
RedBook Agency says its new offering – limited to a select number of large-scale, high-value schemes each year – can cut delivery timelines by up to 30%.
Property marketing in the AI age: Savills & Rightmove ‘dominate’ chatbot search performance
How ChatGPT & its ilk are ripping-up the SEO rulebook for estate agencies & portals - and which brands are winning the Artificial Intelligence race.
By PrimeResi
‘Incredibly rare’ unmod villa backing onto Primrose Hill seeks £10.85mn
An incoming buyer could create one of the most 'beautiful and significant' family homes in NW London, say agents.
Grosvenor names new CEO & CFO as profits jump
UK chief James Raynor to succeed Mark Preston as property empire's CEO.
By PrimeResi
Waldorf Astoria-branded scheme in Abu Dhabi sells out on launch day
All 133 luxury new homes at Aldar's Waldorf Astoria Residences Yas were snapped up in less than 24 hours.
‘Landmark’ resi development opp hits the market in Edinburgh
Savills says the New Town site 'is a truly unique opportunity to deliver a landmark development in one of Edinburgh’s most desirable and architecturally significant neighbourhoods.'
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Industry Reactions: Transactions plunge following Stamp Duty hike
Official data indicate the biggest ever monthly drop in home sales.
By PrimeResi
£28mn Knightsbridge mansion sale sets 2025 benchmark
Recent mega-deal on Princes Gate 'reaffirms London’s appeal as a global property destination,' say agents.
‘London may fit the definition of a Global City more than anywhere else in the world’ – Oxford Economics
Researchers have ranked 1,000 world cities across five categories, placing the UK capital in second place for the second year running.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes
The Times: Who’s buying London’s most expensive new flats?
Investigation lifts the lid on £600mn worth of apartment sales at some of PCL's most prestigious new-build schemes.